Henry VIII: March 1538, 21-25 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 13 Part 1, January-July 1538. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1892.

'Henry VIII: March 1538, 21-25', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 13 Part 1, January-July 1538, (London, 1892) pp. 207-223. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol13/no1/pp207-223 [accessed 19 April 2024]

March 1538, 21-25



21 March.	561. Coventry Cathedral Priory.
	See Grants in March, No. 54.
21 March, Kaulek, 31.	562. Tarbes and Castillon to Francis I.
	Have received the letters of the 7th. Tarbes could not take leave, till the 17th, of the King, who had a cold. He cannot believe in the Emperor's being at Nice with the Pope, although the fear of it troubles him much. It is rumoured here that George Douglas, brother of the earl of Angus, learning some sayings which M. Briant told him had been made by M. d' Albrot, is going well equipped to beg Francis to accord him battle against some gentleman who at the time said he would maintain d' Albrot's words to be true. London, 21 March 1538.
	French abstract.
	**A modern transcript is in R. O. It commences:—Sire, we received the letters you have been pleased to write us, by the courier the twelfth (douziesme*) day of this month.
21 March. Kaulek, 32.	563. Tarbes and Castillon to Montmorency.
	[London], 21 March:—The King seems to await news of the Emperor to instruct Winchester how to act before Tarbes' return; for, whatever promises the Emperor made him, he is not out of doubt, although he feigns not to believe that the Emperor will be at Nice.
	If M. d' Albrot were not a Churchman he would have much ado to get out of a quarrel which George Douglas has against him.
	French abstract.
	***A modern transcript is in R. O.
21 March. R.O.	564. John Husee to Lord Lisle.
	Has received his letter, with a little box containing an emerald ring, and a letter to Alard Plomyer, who left for Paris on the 6th. Has also received four barrels of herrings for my lord of Essex. Will send them and write that you will let him have some good wine whenever it comes; but at my lord Monyoye's (Montjoy's) house at Silver Street no man can tell me where my lord of: Essex is. Can as yet get no direct answer from my lord Privy Seal, but I hope to see you shortly here. It would be easier if my lord Controller (Howard) and Mr. Porter were at home. I will urge it, but this business of Hide has hindered me much. I have sent for Mr. Aylmer. I find by the auditor's books that more fees go out of the lordship of Kingston than from all the rest of your lands. I think you shall have 120l. and your accustomed rent. Besides which, Mr. Dudley has promised I shall have 10l., because I showed him that but for his request your Lordship would not have parted with it under 160l. Told him I would not go thorough for less than 120l; but till the books be made perfect cannot write the certainty. If we go through I doubt not to make it sure during your life. Baptista de Segny, of whom Mons. Guillaume le Gras writes, is in the country, at a place where Laurence Bonvisy "doth make cloth." Le Gras must send the "very specialty," for no process can take place upon the copy of a bill. Bonham would like to have the house, but will not give more than 100 marks for it. Touching my lord Edmund's articles, which he promised to send, I have heard nothing, nor yet of Mr. Porter: but whatever he does you will be able to "disgest them." Will always remain faithful to Lisle. "Pilgrimage saints goeth down apace," as Our lady of Southwick, the Blood of Hales, St. Saviour's (fn. n1) and others; and this day the abbey of Stratford is suppressed. "I am glad to hear that your Lordship doth set forth so earnestly the word of God; wherein above all others you shall dymeryt high thanks." London, 21 March.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.
21 March.	565. H. Marquis of Exeter to Cromwell.
R. O. [1537–8].	From Cromwell's letter it appears that the King thinks he is charged to pay one thousand pounds towards the marriage of his wife's sister, Mrs. Katharine Blunte, upon certain lands assigned in the life of the late lord Mountjoy, besides plate and jewels delivered to him by her mother and valued at as much. Had no such lands appointed to him for such purpose, nor yet plate or jewels. Horseley, 21 March. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
21 March. R.O.	566. Suffolk to Cromwell.
	Desires credence for the bearer. Grymsthorp, 21 March. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Privy Seal. Endd.
21 March. Tanner MS. 105 f. 64 b. Dugdale's Monasticon v. 701. from Ormerod's Cheshire ii. 73.	567. John, Abbot of Vale Royal, to Cromwell.
	Has received his letters dated the Rolls, 8 March, still desiring to have the farm of Darnall, notwithstanding the abbot's answer to his former letters. Cromwell believes that he has in his hand the manors of Knighte, Bradford, and Heffreston, the farm of Coversley, besides the demesnes of the monastery, and the parsonages of Frodsham, Weverham, Kirkham, and the tenth of Overe, which he thinks sufficient to furnish the monastery with corn and pasture; whereas most part of the grounds of Knighte, Bradford, and Coversley are let to farm, and he has not the tenths of Overe except in farm of the prioress of Chester during her pleasure; nor has he in wheat of the tithe of Weverham and Frodsham above 12 bushels a year.
	Most of the demesne land of the abbey is "sound" (sand) ground, and the substance of the finding of his wheat is got from Darnall, without which he cannot furnish his house. Cromwell may have any other ground of his without paying rent. Is ready nevertheless to accomplish Cromwell's pleasure in the said manor and demesnes of Darnall, reserving the wood and waters and the barn to receive the tithe corn of Overe. Vale Royall, 21 March.
	Copy by Bp. Tanner. Add.: Privy Seal.
21 March.	568. Sir William Bulmer.
R. O	Interrogatories whereupon Sir William Bulmer must be examined.
	1. Whether Sir John Bulmer, now dead, sent him any letters since the meeting at Doncaster? 2. What was the effect of them, who brought them to him, and when and where? 3. Where they are and what he did with them? 4. To whom and to how many he showed the effect of them? 5. What message by mouth or token was sent with them from his brother? 6. What he did in fulfilment of anything contained in the said letters? 7. Whether he did not show the letters to my lord of Norfolk when he was here in the North, or else to the King's Council? 8. And if rot, why not? 9. Whether Ralph Bulmer sent him any letters or message, and by whom? 10. And generally of all other circumstances.
	In Uuedale's hand, p. 1.
R. O	2. Examination of Sir Will. Bulmer, at York, 21 March 29 Hen. VIII., before my lord President, my lord of Cumberland, the bp. of Llandaff, Mr. Magnus, Sir Marmaduke Cunstable, sen., Sir Ralph Ellerkar, jun., Serjeant Fairefax, Rob. Bowes, Will. Babthorp, Rob. Challoner, and John Uvedale.
	1. Sir John did send him divers letters, and on New Year's Day he sent him his letters patent of the constableship of Wilton. 2. Their effect was concerning the said Sir John's lands. He also had a letter stating that young Ralph Bulmer had sent the same Sir John news from London by Thos. Fulthorp, then servant to the said Ralph, stating that the King had rigged out divers ships with men and ordnance into the north country, and mentioning other things, but he did not read the letter to the end. This letter was brought to him to Wilton by one William Startforth, or else by one who was "catir" to the said Sir John, three or four days before the coming of Norfolk to Doncaster on Candlemas Eve, 28 Henry VIII.
	3. On his coming to London the second week after Easter last he left the said letter and all his other letters at Wilton, and Francis Bulmer, his son, took certain stuff and writings from Wilton, when the said Sir William was at London, and conveyed them to Sir William's house at Elmedenne, but whether he took the said letter among them Sir William knows not. 4. Never showed the said letter or the effect thereof to any person. 5. No message was sent to him by mouth, token or otherwise. But, before the receipt of the said letter, the foresaid Thomas Fulthorp came to this deponent from Lastingham to Wilton, and showed him that his brother, Sir John Bulmer, and his nephew, Ralph Bulmer, were agreed and that he had brought news from his master to his said brother. Of which news one was that my lord of Norfolk was not in so good favour with the King as the north country took him to be. "And more or other news than this he heard not of him, for this deponent saith he regarded him not because he himself knew the contrary by Master Sadler and Master Bolde at their being at Northallerton in their journey towards Scotland."6. Never did anything for the fulfilment of any purpose contained in the said letter either in making beacons, setting watches, or otherwise. 7, 8. Never remembered the said letter, but laid it aside and forgot it at such time as he delivered other seditious letters to my lord of Norfolk at Doncaster and at York concerning rebellious proclamations then set up in Cleveland. 9. His brother, Sir Ralph Bulmer, showed him that one William Elmedene, servant to the Lieutenant of the Tower, had been with him and desired him and the said Sir William to be counter sureties to the goodman of the Horse Head in Chepe, and to one Egglesfeld in Southwark which be bound for the said Ralph to be true prisoner in the Tower. And after this the said Sir William went to Egglesfeld to be bound to him for the said purpose, when Egglesfeld said he trusted it should not need. Sir William therefore is not bound for that matter. The said Elmedene on Candlemas Eve last sent him two letters by one John Ball from the said Ralph, the one directed to Sir Thomas Tempest, the other to the wife of the said Ralph, daughter to the said Sir Thomas. Which two letters were sent by him to the said Sir Thomas at his return from London. Had no other message from the said Ralph since he was in the Tower. But before his committal and after the delivery of the foresaid letters of Sir John Bulmer, he spoke with the same Ralph at Newcastle, Islington, London, and other places concerning the affairs both of the said Sir William and of the said Ralph. 10. Met with my lord of Norfolk at Doncaster at his coming down on Candlemas Eve, and attended on him there and at York and other places to Carlisle and Newcastle, and never departed from him till the Duke gave him leave as he did to others.
	In Uvedale's hand, pp. 5. Endd.
21 March.	569. G. Lovedaye to Wriothesley.
R. O	I have laden you, in a French "hayne," 17 tons of stone, which in English measure will make 24 tons. Coming here I tarried three days and bought my stone; but, finding no ships in the river, rode to Humfflue, where I got this hayne of 40 tons. Sailed thence to Newe Havin, but could get no ships but this "hayne," who must have 34s. for each ton of Caen stone besides pilotage. I have promised to lend them 4 chaulder of Newcastle coal to be delivered at Hampton. There (at Newehaven?) I saw the great ship of France lying on one side with the water flowing into her: it is thought she cannot be recovered. There is making for the Admiral a ship of the same fashion as the Peterpomegarnet, but greater. Her mast is 150 feet long, &c. If I had not come back hither I had been deceived, for I never saw such crafty people as here be. There is near here a quarry of very soft stone better than Caen stone. If you wish any of it you can get it through Mr. Huttoft. I am sorry to have come so far as from Calais hither, more than 180 miles, and done you no more pleasure. Caen, 21 March.
	Hol., pp. 3. Add.: at the Court. Endd.
21 March. Poli Epp. ii. 131.	570. Card. Pole to Camillo Orsino.
	Descants upon the consolation he has received from Camillo's letters both to himself and to the Most Christian [King]. Would like to be the bearer of these letters, as he accompanies the Pope, who goes to preach the gospel of peace to these princes. Rome, 21 March 1538.
	Latin.
21 March. Cleop. E. iv. 58. B. M. Strype's Eccl. Mem. I. ii. 222.	571. Nic., Bp. of Salisbury, to Cromwell.
	Has received his Lordship's letters dated 13 March and obeyed them as it became him. Either the abbot of Reading or some one else has misinformed Cromwell of the cause why he inhibited the monk that readeth there. Thinks when Cromwell has heard his explanation he will correct the abbot for despising the writer's authority under the King. Dompne Roger London, the reader, was accused to him of heresy by three monks, Will. Benet, Will. Sutton, and Walter Ludlow. The matters were no trifles, viz., that Holy Scripture is not sufficient of itself, that ability to preach sincerely is not sufficient qualification for a cure, that faith does not justify without works, &c. Found him on examination a man of small knowledge who would not make any open revocation. Closed the conversation briefly, took his subscription to a contrary declaration and dismissed him. Cromwell will understand now why the Bishop would have had his own man read there, which would have made it unnecessary to inhibit the monk. But now, does not the abbot require correction, who has ordered the monk to continue his lecture? Cromwell will see how the case affects the King's injunctions. If his conduct to the abbot was extreme, knows not what justice is. Cares not a farthing for the refusal of his own reader if a good reader be provided. Loves him not the less because he was a priest and for marriage degraded. He is now, at least, an honest layman.
	It is a strange thing to consider the affections of men. "I could not obtain so much of you, the last day, as others, by word or writing, to know your pleasure what ye would have me to do with a popish monk late of Abingdon, although I was most utterly ignorant what I mought do." Wanted to know only if you would have beard him yourself as you did his abbot before. Yet the abbot of Reading could out of hand obtain your letters to let me in his just correction. Is this encouraging men to do their duty? Knows from former letters, which he waters many times with salt tears, that Cromwell has a grudge against him, but he hurts himself more than the Bishop. No bishop in England is more zealous than himself, except Canterbury and Worcester; but the residentiaries of Salisbury to whom Cromwell wrote, and the mayor and citizens, whom he seems to favour against the King's grants and their own composition with the Church, will see that he is again out of favour. Cromwell should not have taken offence at his calling the mayor of Salisbury the bishop's mayor, and the citizens the bishop's citizens, as well as the mayor of Reading the abbot's mayor; for he had the King's confirmation. Yet both the grants, and himself also, are at the King's beck. Ramsbury, 21 March.
	Hol., pp. 5.
Cleop. E. iv. 62. B. M. Burnet iv. 314.	572. [Cromwell to the Bishop of Salisbury.]
	Would thank him for his plain writing but that he seems fuller of suspicion than such a prelate should be. Why should the Bp. complain of Cromwell taking the matter out of his hands? Rebukes him for his "testy words." Was obliged to hear complaints, and might also "somewhat gather" that the Bp. was severe with Roger London when he desired the preferment of his own servant. Is not wont to vaunt of his well doing, but hopes he will always use his office rightly. Shaxton should have known better than to taunt him with making no answer about the popish monks of Abingdon when he was so busy, and his easy granting of letters to the abbot of Reading "to inhibit your just doings." Wrote rather to require him to do justly, and was not swift in granting the letters. Denies partiality or unfriendliness.
	In Morison's hand, pp. 9. Endd. inaccurately: The mynute of a letter drawn by Mr. Moryson to the abbot of Glastonbury.
Cleop. E. iv. 68. B.M.	573. [Cromwell to the Abbot of-–––––. (fn. n2) ]
	Though not long since you received the King's letters signifying to you that if you used yourselves as faithful subjects, he would not in any wise interrupt your mode of living, and that if any man declared anything to the contrary, you should cause him to be apprehended; on which I doubt not that you repose so firmly that no man's words, nor any voluntary surrender by religious companies, can put you in fear of suppression or change of life; yet the King, knowing that fear may enter upon a contrary appearance where the ground is not known, and that there are malicious and cankered hearts who, upon a voluntary and free surrender would persuade and blow abroad a general and violent suppression, has directed me to write that unless overtures had been made by the houses that have resigned, he would never have received them. He does not intend in any way to trouble you or devise for the suppression of any religious house that standeth, except they shall desire it themselves with one consent, or else misuse themselves contrary to their allegiance, in which case they will deserve the loss of their lives as well as of their possessions.
	You may therefore repose yourself, giving yourself to serve God devoutly, to live like true subjects to his Majesty, and provide for the sustentation of your houses and the relief the poor, with hospitality, without the wilful waste and spoil that has lately been made in many abbeys, as though the governors of them minded only their own dissolution.
	You may be sure you shall not be impereched by his Majesty, but his Grace will be your shield and defence against all others. If any man says anything to the contrary, apprehend him, or if that cannot be done, send his name to the King.
	Draft, pp. 2.
21 March.	574. Robt. Peterson to Cromwell.
R. O	Whereas your Lordship has determined that John Delve shall have the park of Mote to farm, which Mr. Mylsent had granted to my brother, I beg your favour that my brother may be your farmer at Swanburgh. Because I have been brought up in these parts, I am desirous to spend the living I have of your Lordship at the late priory of Lewes, in such lodging as your farmer may spare. I have moved your officers here in the premisses, but they will make no answer till they know your pleasure; I beg your Lordship to write to them. Lewes, 21 March.
	Hol.,p.,1. Add.: Lord Cromwell, lord Privy Seal. Endd.
22 March Close Roll p. i, No. 7	575. Walden Abbey.
.	Surrender (by Wm. More, clk., bishop suffragan of Colchester and commendatory of Walden, Essex, and the convent there) of the monastery with its manors of Walden, Pouncys, Matenys, Aylottes, Thunderley, Byrden, and Mynchon, Essex; and rectories and churches of Walden, Magna Waltham, High Ester, Arkesden, Magna Chissell, Lyndessell, and Ellesnam, Essex, with the advowsons of the same and of the vicarages; the manor of Chipnam, Camb., and the rectory of Chipnam, with advowsons of the same and of the vicarage; and all appurtenances in Marcheford, Dodyng, and Elme, in the Isle of Ely, Camb.; the manor of Hadley, Midd., and rectories of Edelmeton, Enfeld, and South Mymmes, with advowsons of the same and of the vicarages; all possessions of the monastery in the city of London; the manor of Compton, Warw., and the rectory of Compton Maner; annual pensions of 40s. from the vicarage of Walden, 26s. 8d. from Magna Waltham, 13s. 4d. from High Ester, 20s. from the rectory of Parva Chesterford, Essex, 13s. 4d. from the abbey of Shipton, in co. [Cambs.], (fn. n3) 4s. from the rectory of Aynow, 53s. 4d. from Thorley, Herts., 20s. from Kyngham, Oxon, 3s. in Edelmeton, payable by the prior of St. John's of Jerusalem; and all other possessions of the monastery in cos. Essex, Camb., Herts., Midd., London, Oxon, Ntht., Warw., and elsewhere in England. 22 March 29 Hen. VIII.
	Acknowledged, same day, before Peter Aysheton, elk., one of the King's clerks.
22 March. Kaulek, 32.	576. Castillon to Francis I.
	[London], 22 March:—Tarbes is returning. The King is well appeased of his ill impression of him.
	French abstract.
	*** A modern transcript is in R.O.
22 March. Ribier, i. 135	577. Castillon to Montmorency.
	M. de Tarbes can declare the news. The King is as content with him at his departure as he was discontent at his arrival. Refers declaration of the discourse to him and M. de Morvillier, who was present. Asks for frequent letters and instructions. London, 22 March 1537.
	French.
	*** There is a modern transcript of this letter in R.O., in which the name Morvillier is given as Marlier.
	There is also an abstract in Kaulek (p. 32), in which the same name appears as "Morlies."
	578. [Henry VIII to Francis L]
R. O.	"Mon mieulx ayme frere, Jay receu voz lettres que ma delivreez levesque de Tarbe et par icelles entendu la bonne affection que avez a la fraternelle amytie dentre nous, mesmerveillant ung peu quil sen retourne sans nous bailler leffect de ses instructions par escript: Toutesfoiz puix quil a lesse sa commission par deça par votre commandement avecques le seigneur de Castillon votre ambassadeur lez moy resident jespoire lavoir de luy. Car sans cela je ne vous pourrez faire response resolue pour lassurance et establissement dicelle. De quoy seroit bien marry
	Votre bon frere, cousin, compere et perpetuel allye."
	Copy, p. 1. Endd: The copy of a letter in French.
22 March.	579. John Graynfyld to Lord Lisle.
R. O	Mr. Smythe, one of the receivers of the Subsidy granted at the last Parliament, has taken out a writ against you for payment at sight of the money due by you for the Subsidy. I have taken order with him that it shall be paid within 10 or 12 days after Easter next. Accept my poor token by Mr. Skreven and send me a warrant for a friend of mine named Ric. Grove. London, 22 March.
	On Sunday last Sir William Sydney was made chamberlain to the Prince, Sir John Cornewales his steward, one Mr. Cotton Fiez Chamberleyn (vice chamberlain) and the other controller, and Edw. Cornewales, groom porter of his house.
	Hol., p. 1. Sealed. Add.: lord Deputy of Calais.
22 March.	580. John Husee to Lady Lisle.
R. O	I received your letter by Mr. Under Marshal's servant, by which I am glad to find all things arrived in safety. I beg you to take my writing in good part. If you knew what I have answered in your Ladyship's cause I hope you would say I have done the part of an honest man. The party you suspect never spoke to me in it; but assuredly they were great personages and of no small authority. I doubt not you will give them less cause hereafter by your circumspect wisdom than they presume to have had before time. What they be I cannot say, but I deem verily, some of that same town, of your neighbours; and whatsoever others do, not being marked, let them sink in their sins. Perhaps they will invent like stories of others hereafter. And if it might please your Ladyship to leave the most part of your memories and have only mass, matins and evensong of the day, I think they shall concerning your Ladyship have nothing to speak of. Would not be so bold but for his assurance that she will take things as they are meant. I am glad the preachers are so well liked there. I hope they will be able to persuade those that cause the town to have so ill a name.
	For your Ladyship's weir there is no remedy but patience. All goeth down and shall down. I assure you I could have done no more if I might have had ten weirs, as Mr. Popley can tell. If you had followed some folks' minds your weir would have been new made, which would have been to small profit. If Cobly's weir stand I will present him myself; but I think him too wise to run in the danger of the statute. Mrs. Oxenbrydge will come over with all speed. For the travers and sayes I will do my best, and your matins' book shall be sent with the first. Today Mr. Harford, of Plymouth, is executed for treason, and with him a money washer. (fn. n4) Now Harford's wife is a widow. I sent you one dozen puffins by Justyce. We are at no point yet with Hide. I have sent for Mr. Aylmer, for by the auditor's book 40l. a year goes out in fees and annuities. If we come to terms my Lord will have 120l., and Mr. Dudley promises me 10l. I cannot see that Mr. Bonhain will give above 100 marks. London, 22 March.
	The most part of the saints whereunto pilgrimages and offerings were wont to be made are taken away; Our Lady of Southwick, St. Saviour, (fn. n5) the Blood of Hayles, and others. I doubt the resurrection will after. I can no more, but God be lauded in all His works.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.
22 March.	581. H. earl of Worcester to Cromwell.
R. O	Has received his letter, dated St. James beside Westminster, 21 Feb., asking him and his wife to sell to him their interest in lands of the King's gift in Chesthunt. Cannot well spare them as he has no other lands near London, but will do so if Cromwell will obtain for them from the King lands of like value in Wales, that is, if he wants them for himself and no other. Hears that Mr. Dacres, secundarie of the Comptre in London, has obtained the reversion of them. Sends six pasties of baked lampreys. Chepstow, 22 March. Signed.
	Pp. 2. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
22 March.	582. Abp. Lee to Cromwell.
R. O	In answer to Cromwell's letters of 10 March, requesting the advowson of Southecave for the lord mayor of London, reminds him that at Doctor Leghe's coming to this country he (Cromwell) wrote, 14 Feb., for the same advowson for the King, and the abp. sent it to his Highness. Cawod, 22 March 1537. Signed
	P. 1. Add.: Privy Seal. Endd.
23 March. Spanish Calendar, V. ii. No. 220	583. Chapuys to the Queen of Hungary.
	She has done well in writing to Cromwell, who was much gratified by her letter. The French ambassadors have had difficulty in getting an interview with the King, and were ill received; on which the bp. of Tarbes said to the Venetian secretary he would do his best to promote a peace between the Emperor and France. Next day the bp. received a present of 500 cr. and 150 cr. for a gentleman of his suite; but he has not yet got his passports, which the King will probably not give till he has heard from Spain. On the same day, the 18th, the painter returned with the Duchess' likeness, which has pleased the King much, and put him in much better humour. He has been masking and visiting the duchess of Suffolk, &c. Does not think, however, that he is pleased at the meeting arranged between the Pope, the Emperor, and Francis. London, 23 March 1538.
	From a MS. at Vienna.
23 March,	584. John Husee to Lord Lisle,
R. O.	Your licence is granted to come over immediately upon the arrival of my lord Comptroller and Mr. Porter, whom my lord Privy Seal has promised to despatch this day; and he says Mr. Treasurer shall be despatched with them. My lord Comptroller and Mr. Porter intend to depart on Monday, being Our Lady Day. I moved my lord Comptroller for his book of articles, and he promised I should see it this day; as to the others I can learn nothing of them. My lord Comptroller says that all in his book is general unless it be two articles, viz.:—(1.) That your Lordship and Mr. Marshal are not friends, and he being asked why, answered that he knew not, but your Lordship at your coming should declare it. (2.) That your Lordship and the Porter were not friends; and bade inquire the cause of Mr. Porter. My lord Comptroller has yet obtained nichil. Mr. Porter has Mr. Whethill's annuity, with arrearages since his death. As to the keys, I think Mr. Marshall shall keep them. When these men come to Calais (I mean my lord Comptroller with the rest), in nowise depart without the King's special letters or else licence under the broad seal; for thus Mr. Russell and other your friends have willed me to signify you. Please write me where you intend to lie at your corning. Your damask gown shall always be ready when the fur come, Wyckes is gone; he will be here at the term. If you send a piece of good Gascon wine and another of French they shall be well drunken. As to your pension I trust you will speak at your coming. I cannot go through with Hide because Mr. Aylmer is not come, at which I marvel. As to Mr. Bonham you have made me answer. Please write to Sir Oliver and the other priest for the key of the evidence chest at Holywell; for the sight of those evidences standeth Mr. Dudly greatly upon, as much as a ward of 400 mks. by the year is worth. If you write for the key I will see that none of the evidences are taken away. God send you shortly hither! London, in haste, 23 March.
	Your licence, my lord Privy Seal says, is but for 14 days, but I trust that at your coming you shall enlarge that.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.: Deputy of Calais.
23 March.	585. John, Abbot of Faversham, to Cromwell.
R. O	Received by his servant, Chr. Roper, his letter, dated 15 March, and sends by the bearer the sum of the acres that Sir Thos. Cheyney would have of the convent, and the value by year. Faversham, 23 March. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.: xxiiij Marcii.
23 March.	586. Sir Walter Stonore to Cromwell.
R. O	Thanks for Cromwell's loving kind letter. His daughter is now at his house of Stonore, for whom he desires Cromwell to move the King to write to some honest persons for viewing the house Stonore's son, Wallssch, deceased, lately dwelled in, with the park and warren of hares and conies, which are much improved. My poor house of Stonore, 23 March.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
23 March.	587. Katharine Audelett, Widow, (fn. n6) to Cromwell.
R. O	Where your Lordship wrote to Harry Huttoke of Southampton that he should fall to some good end with me before Annunciation next, he told the messenger he would write to you; and said, in presence of John Wynchecombe of Newbury, he would abide your Lordship's orders. Please take some direction therein and save me from further delay. Abingdon, 23 March.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Privy Seal. Endd.
23 March.	588. La Rochepot to Lord Lisle.
R. O	I have received your letter of the 12th stating that the Flemings, who keep as prisoners in your town of Calais the men who were in my ship, are surprised that I will not deliver the Flemish prisoners here, as I wrote to you beforehand that I would do, when I supposed the truce was good by sea for merchants as well as fishermen. I have since learned the contrary, and that Frenchmen and Imperialists take each other prisoners daily; so the Flemings here are lawful prize, and I do not intend to give them up except for ransom. As to the ship in which they were taken, I have restored it freely, for the reason above mentioned; but you have no ground to detain my men, because they were arrested in your town, which is neutral, and the capture they made of the Flemings was outside the jurisdiction of the king of England, so it would be unreasonable to deliver them to their enemies. La Fere, 23 March 1537. Signed.
	Fr., p. 1. Add.
	ii. Draft answer to the above, stating that the Flemings arrested the Frenchmen by law, for their goods taken from them, till the French agreed, to avoid expense, to go with the Flemings into Holland. If you did not send their men to them hither in 20 days, the action at law is accordingly discharged, but the bond holds good. The Flemings claim these men as their prisoners if you make yours good prize. Headed: 1537
	In English.
23 March. Add. MS. 28,590, f, 124. B. M.	589. Aguilar to Charles V.
	The League and Prince Doria's preparations, and the prolongation of of the truce with France. Spoke with the Pope of the French reports that the Emperor offered to continue negotiations or to mediate through the king of England, which reports are intended to make his Holiness distrust the Emperor. The Pope approved of the Emperor's negociating with the king of England which might bring him back to the union of the Church. The marriage and the duke of Castro. The duchy of Penna. Privilege of Novara, &c. His Holiness departed this Saturday, the 23rd. * * * Rome, 23 March 1538.
	Spanish, pp. 11. Modern copy from the archives of Simancas. [Spanish Calendar, V. ii. No. 193.]
24 March. R.O.	590. Giovanni Portinari to Cromwell.
	His last was on the 20th inst. by Mr. Guglielmoson (Williamson), in which he showed Cromwell of the size and length of the site and of the commencement of the work of pulling down the whole. Wrote of a vault on the right side of the high altar, raised on four round pillars and surrounded by five chapels measuring, outside the wall, 70 yards, i.e., 210 feet. All this is thrown down on Thursday and Friday, the 21st and 22nd inst. They will now pull down a very high vault a little in front of the other, standing on four great pillars 14 feet thick and 45 round. Left London with 17 men, among them three carpenters, two smiths, two plumbers, one furnace-man, and nine labourers, and with these they hope to do everything. All were at work, the carpenters making scaffoldings and the workmen pulling down the wall; these are more practised hands than the men of the country. Will be with Cromwell within two days. On Tuesday they will commence melting the lead. Alleus (a Lewes), 24 March 1537.
	Italian. Hol., p. 1. Add.
	ii. Measurements of the priory of Leus (Lewes) as in No. 554, viz.:—
	Length: 3 40 yds., i.e., 420 ft. Width: from entrance to the middle, 69½ ft.; in the middle or body, 150 ft. Height: 63 ft. Circumference: inside, 1,558½ ft., outside, 1,512 ft. The wall of the front is 10 ft. thick, and the steeple, which is at one corner of the front, 10 ft.; other sides 5 ft. There are 32 pillars, eight of them very large, of which four support a lofty platform for the steeple (a uso di campanile), and the other four a still higher platform where were five bells: each of these eight is 14 ft. thick, 45 ft. round. The other 24 pillars are 10 ft. thick, 25 round. Large pillars 42 ft. high, ordinary pillars, 18 ft. Height of the platform in front of the greater altar, 93 ft.; of that in the middle of the church, with the five bells, 105 ft. Height of steeple in front, 90 ft,
	Italian, p. 1. Endd.: Concerning Lewes.
Cleop. E. iv 232. B.M.	2. English translator of the preceding (i. & ii.). Printed in Willis's Mitred Abbeys, ii. App. 26, and Wright's Suppression of the Monasteries, 180.
	In Morison's hand, pp. 3.
24 March. R.O.	591. Pickering Castle.
	View taken of the castle of Pykeryng, 24 March 29 Hen. VIII., by Sir Marmaduke Constable and Sir Ralff Ellerker, junr.
	The drawbridge and gatehouse need repair. Thence eastwards to Diate Hyll tower the wall, 96 yds. in length, 6 ft. high, and 6 ft. thick, is in metely reparation, From Dyate Hyll tower to Rosamund's tower is 80 yds. Rosamund's tower is three stories, 6 yds. square. The Mylne tower is 32 yds. from the gatehouse westwards. This tower is of two stories, 8 yds. square. It is 47 yds. thence to the wall of the Inner ward
	The Inner ward: A bridge at the entry, and within Grayffes chamber and Coleman tower with a prison underneath, of which the floor and roof are in decay. From Colman tower to the dongeon the wall is 28 yds. long, 10 yds. high, 2 yds. thick, and in good repair. The dongeon standeth upon a hill of 26 yards height; the walls are evil rent, riven, and perished. The wall of the Inner ward is in circuit 268 yds. The hall and chapel are in reasonable repair. The Constable's lodging, containing several rooms, is in decay.
	There is an old well, 14 fathoms deep, filled with stones. There is no brewhouse, bakehouse, horsemill, ordnance, or artillery. Timber can be obtained from Cropton, Welton daill, Braket daill, and Countes Hage, all the King's, and the farthest but three miles; freestone and rough stone within a mile.
	Repairs will need 142 tons of stone, 174 tons of timber, 71½ tons iron, 21½ foder lead. Signed.
	Pp. 8.
[24 March.] vit. B. xxi. 139. B.M.	592. Thos. Theabold to-––––––.
	"Pleaseth it your Grace to understand that [whereas] . . . . . . . . . . . [I]did inform your Grace and my lord Preav[y Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . which nameth himself here Sir James Greffe[th] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . when, if my lord Privy Seal had geve[n commandment unto me to] take him, I could have found the means. . . . . . . [that he should] have been other in hold or punished as a t[raitor; for at my depar]tyng from Tubyng, one of his chief compa[nions]. . . . . . . . . hath married his daughter came from Augsburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . he and his father-in-law, James Poell, to be fallen a . . . . . . . . . . . declaring unto me many of his practices and what . . . . . . . . . . . of the which I know some of them to be true and most . . . . . . . . . . . . and in specially in that he showed me that he should [be at] this present with the duke of Saxony, which I know we[ll to be a] lie, as I proved also since he went about with many p . . . . . . . to invade me, for my reports unto certain of the c[ity] of Augsburg was an occasion that they were cornman [ded to] depart thence; howbeit James Poel hath not shew[ed him]self there openly this half year and more. But my ans[wer] unto this Welchman was this, that I thought that the King's [grace] did know better where he was than he could inform [me], and if his Grace had been desirous to have had him take[n], he had not now been at liberty; and if his Grace had hy[m], I doubt not but he would punish him worthily, according to hi[s] deserving; and whereas he is now out of his Grace's hands, his Grace doth not pass of him. After this he would have ha[d] me to help him to be in service with the Prince as a gentel[man], not as a man of war, in the which, when I would give hy[m] no comfort, then he went about to borrow money of me, w[hen], because his wife was great with child, and upon the co[nditi]on he should depart incontinent, I gave him a gu . . . . . and his costs there, dispatching him after a good sort; ho[wbeit], I dining the next day with the governor of the city, [and] one or two of the Prince's Council, showed them what he wa[a and] about what practices he came, and declared to them the tray[son] of James Poel and his abuses here; whereupon they ma[de] this answer, that if he that were at Tubyng with [me] were of that conspiracy and trayson, they would take him [and] hang him, and likewise if James of Poel came [hither] they would, if they might know him surely, punish hy[m] as a traytor, for albeit in all Dochelond they do great[ly] abhor traitors, yet the gentlemen of Sueveland be[above] all other in punishing that fault. Whereunto I answered that [I did] perceive no other of him that was at Tubing but that he [was] a banished man, as I did mark by the burning of his ha[nd]; which, and the misery that he is in, or like to come to, we[re] punishment enough for him, seeing I had no [knowledge] of [any] other [things] committed of him; but in case this . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . thither if they did take him and punish him upon . . . . . . . . . . . en they should not only in that behalf do high just[ice and to the King's] Grace of England high pleasure, but also the ci[ties and princes] imperial, whom he hath and intendeth . . . . . . . . . . . [d]eceave, etc., and if he come there now in my absence . . . . . . . . . he shall have there but small courtesy. I am [sure he] had been there long or this time, but for fear of [me]; for while riding towards Italy I passed through Ulmes, seven Dutch miles from Tubing, where James Poel was three weeks before my coming, but he tarried not. Perhaps, when he hears that I have departed, he will make suit to the duke of Wirtemberg, as he has done to other princes, but his errand is done or he come. The chief persons in Augsburg say that if this information had come to them from the king of England when he was here, they would have taken and worthily punished him. Laurence Staber might have taken him if he would. If the King wants him taken, I think I could nearly do it as well as Staber, for the chief of the learned men, both spiritual and temporal, and others, officers and gentlemen of Tubyng and thereabouts, do highly favour me. Most of the doctors and the learned men, with the best of the city, conducted me more than three English miles on my way, and have written such letters of commendation for me to the learned men and citizens of Augsburg, that I have been most reverently entertained there. Besides private feasting, wine was sent to me in the name of the Senate, and officers were ordered to show me the artillery and what else was worth seeing. Certain merchants here will write in my behalf to their factors and sons in Venice and Padua. I have also letters to the chief in Insbruck and Trente, so that I trust to be able to know everything and write often, and to get to Rome without being known for an Englishman. I beseech you to move my friends to send my bank to Venice and to receive money from my father and send it.
	" News here at this time are these [that the Emperor will come] here this summer to counsell with the pry[nces for] . . . . . . . . . . and help against the Turk, which as we [understand prepareth] himself both against Hungary and Italy . . . . . . . . . . . . . This last victory in Hungary of the w[hich I wrote to you] in my last letters hath greatly bolded the Tu[rke to go against the] Almaynes, in so much that the Turk now . . . . . . . . . [hath] made incursions almost into the city of Salz[burg] . . . . . . . . . taking in prey with them at least 4 thowsa[nd . . . . . . . . . persons. Also the earl Cassianus (of whom also I have written . . . . . . . . . . hath broken prison and is fled in to a very strong [castle of] king Verdynandus, of the which he hath been made gover[nor in] times past, and hath about 2,000 horsemen, which are . . . . . aid to him, in hope and trust whereof he setteth n[ought] by Verdynandus, but sendeth him this embassy, ot[her that] he shall take him to mercy and grace, or else [that he] will with all his horsemen fly unto the Turk, and also de[liver] to him this very strong castle in which he is."
	We hear that by reason of this invasion of the Turk, there will shortly be peace between the Emperor and the French king. The Lanzknechts, who were reserved in France all this winter, are coming home. At Ulmes the Swiss ambassador, going to king Ferdinard in Bohemia, told me that the French king in a recent le[tter] to the confederacy of Switzerland, states that there is as yet no peace between him and the Emperor, but a meeting is fixed between them and the [bp.] of Rome, at Nice, on the last of March.
	I can hear nothing of this at Augsburg, except that the Pope is coming to Nice. It is thought, however, that the Emperor will come shortly either to Nice or Genoa, and the French king to Savoy. The Almains were never in so great fear of the Turk as now, partly hecause the Turk has lately had the advantage, "and partly because in these wars against Turks . . . . Frenchmen their chief captains, best men of war . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ed besides that the princes * * * will of certain princes and cities imperial, as I . . . . . . . . . . . . and in case he would put them out of fear of . . . . . . . . . . . cause, but as yet hitherto he would never put them . . . . . . . . [whi]ch hath been no small hindrance unto him. I . . . . . . . . ssite will compel him to agreement; howbeit . . . . . . . but if he and the French king and the bishop of Rome [do come] together at Nice, he shall be moved by them to make promise [that] in case they do help him against the Turk, that then [in]continent after success thereof, he shall invade the cities and princes evangelical," And when the Emperor shall come into Almain, I reckon they will not move a foot to help him, especially the Evangelicals, except he put them in surety and promise to invade the tyranny of the Pope. The evangelical cities and princes are assembled at Lunenberg, where the king of Denmark is present with 300 or 400 horse. The elector of Saxony and the Landsgrave are also there.
	A certain papistical prince refused a safe conduct for them to pass through his country, whereupon the duke of Saxony went another way, but the Laudsgrave aventured by power to pass through and escaped all danger. We can hear nothing of what has been done at this Council. The foresaid Swiss ambassador told me that the Emperor and Ferdinand had lately written to the confederacy, asking them to provide 8,000 men against the Turk, and money to pay them for six months; to which they answered that they would gladly send the men, but had no store of money.
	Would have written to the lord Privy Seal, if I had had time, though I am in doubt how he has accepted my other letters. Augsburg, third Sunday in Lent.
	I trust that the letters I wrote since Candlemas are come to your hands.
	Hol., pp. 4. Mutilated.
25 March.	593. Norfolk to Cromwell.
R. O	Since his last letter to Cromwell he has been to Elmam and viewed the park and woods, which are not of the value he weened they had been. Has also been at Castellacre where the lands have been, by the late prior, "advanced to the uttermost" and the farms let for many years.
	Wrote to Cromwell of late to know who it is that would buy his lordship of Walton in Marchelonde at 40 years' purchase: now sends his servant for that purpose, as meanwhile he can make no bargain with others.
	The death daily increases in these parts, and he is in fear, there being so much youth in his house. Would gladly hear how the affairs with the Emperor and the French king proceed. Kenyngale in Norfolk, 25 March. Signed.
	P. 1, Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Sealed. Endd.
25 March.	594. Richard Lee to Wriothesley.
R. O	I have been at Tychefeld, where your work proceeds well, but they intend to make the roof of your hall shorter than I proposed, by reason they will have the serene covered; this will be a disfiguring of it, but you may remedy it and no money lost. They lack masons. My ship has come thither with your stuff and will shortly leave with logs. I beg you remember my suit for Sopwell. Lewys, 25 March.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Mr. Wriseley. Endd. by Wriothesley.
25 March R.O.	595.Sir Nycolas Strelley to Cromwell.
	By command of Sir Anthony Fitzherbert, justice, upon the assize held at Nottingham, I arrested one Nicholas Saunderson, of Lowedham parish, Notts, for treasonable words. I have sent his examination by the bearer and desire to know your further pleasure.25 March. Signed.
	P.1.Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
R. O.	2. The saying of Robert Knight, of Lowedham, Notts, husbandman, Laurence Swyfft, of Lowedham, husbandman, and John Hall, of Gunthorpe, in the same parish, husbandman, 23 March 29 Henry VIII., before Sir Nicholas Strelley, sheriff of Notts and Derbyshire.
	1. That in the week before St. Matthew's Day in Lent, two years ago, when the King had deer carried from Beskwoode Park to Ampthill, and the lordship of Lowedham should have made a carriage to have carried the deer with, the township gathered themselves together, all but Nicholas Saunderson, who refused to come. Then Master Tumour, the King's servant, knowing that the said Nicholas had a pair of wain wheels which were good and necessary for the same carrying, sent the said Robert Knight, then constable, who took the above-named Laurence and John with him, and coming to Saunderson's house said they must have his wheels to do the King service. Saunderson waxed fumish and angry, and Knight told him they only did as they were commanded by the Council. He replied, A vengeance on the King and of such false Council, and also of such polling harlots as you are that taketh my good so! Then they took his wheels, not knowing or remembering how heinous his words were. And so it rested two years next following. Then Hugh Walden, of Lamley, Notts, came to the said men, commanding them to appear before Master Beamonde at Leicester, and they, supposing it was for the same wheels, said they would not appear because he might keep a court at Lowedham of the same power that Leicester is of and there they would make him answer. Then on Tuesday before the last assise at Nottingham, viz., 15 March, (fn. n7) the said Robt. Knight and Laurence Swyffte met at Edmond Wydemon's alehouse, at Lowedham, where Gabriel Barwyke, of Bolcote, and other gentlemen were, and fell in communication of these wheels which they supposed the said Nicholas Saunderson troubled them for, and Knight desired those gentlemen to make an end of the matter, for they would gladly be out of trouble; so they sent for Saunderson, who said the matter was past his hands. Knight said he ought not to trouble them, because they only acted by the King's commands, and the most angriest words that were spoken you did speak yourself, for you did bid a vengeance on the King and of all such false Council and also of such polling harlots as we were. On Barwyke asking him, Knight recited these words again, and Barwyke ordered them in the King's name to appear at the assise at Nottingham the Friday after. And so they did. And till that time they never knew how dangerous or how heinous the words were, otherwise they would have reported them as soon as spoken.
	Pp. 2, in the same hand as the preceding.
25 March.	596. Cuthbert Marshall to Cromwell.
R. O	On the 22nd inst., received the King's letters in favour of Wm. Wytham, late admitted gentleman usher of His Grace's chamber, to continue farmer of his deanery of Derlington. Answered, that the King's letters were welcome, that he would sue the King for discharge of his conscience, and meanwhile occupy the deanery. In the lord Cardinal's time, was suitor to Cromwell for Wytham to be bailey of Derlington, and then made the same a lease of his church there, and, since then, two other leases. Wytham pays yearly but 20l. and 8l. in corn, &c., while the deanery is assessed at 36l. 8s.,yet he owes the writer over 20l., and at Easter it will be near 30l.; also he owes the writer's ministers a great part of their wages. Does not write of the sums he has forgiven or given to the man. His only other house is at the sea-side, and so cold that it has given him the palsy for four days this month. Has therefore repaired part of his house at Derlington, as moved by his ordinary, and this year must, repair more. Begs Cromwell to move the King that he may occupy his own and have his debts paid, with sureties for the future. Whitbarn, 25 March. Signed.
	Sends a poor remembrance of pix angels.
	Pp. 3. Add.: Lord Privy Seal Endd.
25 March.	597. Scarborough Castle.
R. O	View taken of Scarborough castle, 25 March 29 Hen. VIII., by Sir Marmaduc Constable and Sir Rauff Ellerker, jun. The outer ward is in circuit 98 yds., of which 37 yds. are clean fallen down. There is a porter's lodge and four turrets. The second ward is 154 yds., of which 38 are fallen down, with two bridges and turrets. The third ward is square, 22 yds., all in good repair, except the gates. The inner or fourth ward is 156 yds. in circuit, with three turrets. The dongeon or high tower is of four stories with five turrets. There is certain lead delivered after Sir Walter Griffith's death to his deputy Mr. Pekham. The ordnance concepts of a great brazen gun, an old serpentine, four bases, and eight chanters; but no shot or powder. The dongeon is 18 yds. square.
	There is a straight [wall] that stretches to the sea-side towards south- east, 207 yds., and towers called Queen's tower, Bosdale Hall, Cokhyll tower, and two others. There is another wall on the north side of the castle, 140 rods, on the sea cliff. There are three places where men may climb it, which may be mended for 40s.
	Material required, 2,102 tons stone, 337 tons timber, 9½ tons iron, 40 foder lead.
	The castle garth is 480 yds. by 240 yds. Within it is a pretty chapel of Our Lady and a fair well, but no bakehouse, brewhouse, nor horsemill. Stone can be had at Haburne wike, six miles off; rough stone and lime from the sea cliff; timber at Rayncliff, within three miles, and slate at Sawdon More, within five miles. Signed.
	Pp. 16.
	598. Richmond and Middleham Castles.
	The view and state of the castle of Richmond, taken by John, lord Scrope of Bolton, and Chr. lord Conyers.
R. O.	Account of masonry, timber, and iron needed for the Port Lodge, the inner gate house, the sware house, the man till wall and five turrets, the great dongion, two wells, the hall, pantry, buttery, kitchen, and other offices, the privy chamber, a little tower for draughtea, the great chamber, and a chapel next it, the chapel in the castle garth, &c. The circuit of the mantill wall is 2,000 ft. There are no guns or artillery. An estimate is given of the mason work and wallen, corbels, spouts, timber, and other materials decayed. Signed."
	Pp.7.
	2. The view and state of Middleham castle, taken by John lord Scrope of Bolton, and Chr. lord Conyers.
R. O.	Statement of repairs necessary for the portcullis, the tower over the gate house, the mantill wall, the chapel and revestre, the round tower (which is grown over with yvinge) the lady chamber, the chamber of presence, the nursee in the south-west tower, the sware house in the north-west tower, the dongion, the great hall, the great chamber, a little tower over the wardrobe, the bellhouse tower, a fair well, houses of office without the fortress, &c. It is suggested that a horse mill may be made in the brewhouse. There are no guns nor artillery. Signed.
	Pp. 6. Endd. by Tunstall: Richmonde, Mydylhame.
25 March.	599 Anthoine Brusset to Lord Lisle.
R. O	I have received your letter, and understand by the bearer that you wish me to allow the merchant of Hazebrouc to bring within your Pale five horses. As they are for the use of yourself and other English gentlemen, I am content, if my accustomed due be paid; but if I find that the said merchant shall sell them to the French, I shall pardon him nothing, and the merchant must at his return from Calais come and speak with me. Gravelines, 25 March 1537.
	I understand by your letters that you are shortly to cross the sea to England. God give you a favourable voyage.
	Hol.,Fr.,P.l.Add.
25 March. Add. MS., 28,590, f. 130. B. M.	600. Charles V. to Aguilar.
	Gives reasons to counteract the Pope's suspicions in consequence of Doria's coming to Barcelona without leaving orders for the fleet to get ready. Has explained to the Legate and Nuncio that nothing was further from his mind than to evade fulfilment of his engagements, but he cannot order the fleet to come to Barcelona till he is assured of the consent of the Venetians to the interview. Leaves the matter, however, entirely to the Pope's discretion.
	Spanish, pp. 17. Headed: Al Marques de Aguilar, de Barcelona, a 25 de Marco 1535 (sic) con el capitan Maldonado. Modern copy from the archives of Simancas.
	[See Spanish Calendar, V. ii. No. 194.]